Compare & Save on International Removals

Save 70% off the cost of your house move today!

Compare My Move Fact-Checking Standards

The Compare My Move team follows strict guidelines to ensure that every piece of content is accurate, trust-worthy and adheres to the highest standard of quality. Each article is expertly reviewed by members of our author panel before being published to promote accurate and quality content.

All Compare My Move articles adhere to the following standards:

  • Expertly reviewed - Our articles are reviewed by an industry expert with in-depth knowledge and experience of the article topic.
  • Data supported - All statistics, research and data must link or reference to the original source.
  • Accuracy - All research and data are taken from high-quality, trustworthy and authoritative sources.
  • Quality checked - Our content writers ensure every Compare My Move article is written to the highest of standard.

Shipping Container Costs to Italy from the UK

Nicola Ryan

Written by Reviewed by Dave Sayce

31st Aug 2022 (Last updated on 8th Feb 2024) 4 minute read

It costs an average of £1,950 to ship a 40 ft container to Italy from the UK. 40 ft containers are best for 3+ bed house moves. The average shipping cost of air freight is £209 per 100kg.

Compare My Move has written this guide providing everything you need to know about shipping to Italy. You’ll feel confident in your removal to Italy.

  1. Sea Freight
  2. Main Italian Ports and Routes
  3. Air Freight
  4. Main Italian Airports and Routes
  5. FCL vs LCL Shipping
  6. Other Costs to Consider
  7. How Long Does it Take to Ship Belongings to Italy?
  8. Prohibited Items to Italy
  9. Finding an International Removal Company to Italy

Sea Freight

The average cost of shipping a container is £800 to ship a 20 ft container and £1,950 to ship a 40 ft container from the UK to Italy. Those who want to choose a cost-effective shipping option should consider sea freight. This means that you send a shipping container to Italy via the ocean.

Pros:

  • Shipping containers can be used for all-size moves
  • It is a cheaper option
  • The cost is calculated by the container used rather than the weight

Cons:

  • Sea freight takes longer to arrive and can take between 2-5 days for goods to arrive
  • Delays are more frequent when using this method

Main Italian Ports and Routes

There are 14 ports in Italy. This means you can choose a location that is near your new property. Here are the busiest ports to keep in mind:

  • Port of Trieste
  • Port of Genoa
  • Port of Livorno
  • Port of Cagliari
  • Port of Gioia Tauro

Compare International Removals

Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

Air Freight

The average air freight cost from the UK to Italy is £209 per 100kg. Air freight is the fastest option for shipping goods to Italy.

Pros:

  • It is more convenient as shipping goods overseas will take between 1 and 2 days for goods to arrive
  • There is a minimal chance of delays

Cons:

  • The costs are high
  • Air freight is calculated by weight rather than space, making it less suitable for those moving large or heavy items

Main Italian Airports and Routes

There are around 77 airports in Italy, meaning that no matter where you are moving to, you’ll be able to find an option that is convenient. Here are the busiest airports in Italy:

  • Rome Fiumicino Airport
  • Milan Malpensa Airport
  • Bergamo Airpor
  • Venice Airport
  • Naples Airport

Compare International Removals

Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

FCL vs LCL Shipping

Deciding between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL) is the next stage in your decision-making when moving to Italy from the UK. This decision should be made based on how many goods you have and how much space they take up.

Full Container Load (FCL)

Those who will need to use an entire container should choose FCL. This means that you will pay for the full container. It is best for faster shipment as the container will be shipped directly to your chosen location. Bear in mind that FCL costs more, so it’s best to choose this option if you know that your goods will fill the container.

Less Container Load (LCL)

LCL is ideal for small and temporary moves such as student movers. You pay for a portion of a container with the rest filled with other people’s belongings. LCL is the cheaper option of the two, but bear in mind that there may be delays as the container may have to stop at other destinations on the way.

Other Costs to Consider

As with any move, there are additional costs that you may want to consider. Whether you want to make the process more efficient or are embarking on a last-minute move, here are some other costs you should keep in mind:

Packing Services

The majority of removal companies will offer packing services. This means that your goods will be packaged securely and ready to be shipped overseas. Your mover will provide all supplies needed with the average packing cost being £250.

Pick-up and Delivery

Pick-up and delivery are ideal for those living in or moving to rural destinations that are far from ports or airports. This means your movers will treat your move as a door-to-door move, so you don’t have to worry about transporting your goods to and from the port or airport.

Insurance

International removals insurance ensures that your goods are protected while in transit. While international shipping freight is a reliable service, there is still a risk involved. International removals insurance means that you are covered in case of any delays or loss.

Compare International Removals

Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

How Long Does it Take to Ship Belongings to Italy?

Shipping goods to Italy can take up to a week, depending on what method of transport you choose. Here are the average transit times for each shipping option:

Shipping OptionLength of Time
Air Freight1 to 3 Days
Sea Freight
2 to 5 Days
Road Freight
2 to 3 Days
Part Load
Up to 1 Week

Prohibited Items to Italy

Since the United Kingdom left the EU, there are certain items you cannot take into Italy. If you are found with any of the following, you may be incurred with hefty fines or delays at customs duties:

  • Meat and dairy products
  • Products containing animal-derived ingredients such as milk

Compare International Removals

Save up to 70% on Removal Costs

Finding an International Removal Company to Italy

At Compare My Move, our network of international partners are able to assist you with your move to Italy. Fill out the form today to save up to 70% off your removal costs.

Nicola Ryan

Written by Nicola Ryan

Nicola focusses on all things moving house at Compare My Move where she writes articles for the advice centre, guiding users through everything they need to know about moving house.

Dave Sayce

Reviewed by Dave Sayce

Owner & Managing Director, Compare My Move

Dave Sayce is the owner and managing director of Compare My Move and has over 10 years of experience in the house removals industry.

Compare and Save on Your Move

Save 70% off the Cost of Your House Move Today!